Ananda in the Himalayas is an exotic, internationally acclaimed spa resort which epitomises the ultimate in luxury and bliss: the perfect honeymoon destination where you and your spouse can both recover from the excitement and stress of your wedding and be pampered in style, whilst rejuvenating your mind, body and spirit.

Overlooking the Ganges River and the holy town of Rishikesh in the Himalayas, Ananda is a peaceful haven set in the grounds of an opulent maharaja's palace. It has all that you need for a relaxing romantic retreat - the ideal destination for the meeting of newly married souls

Getting There
The closest international airport to the Ananda Resort is New Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, which is served by most International airlines, seven days a week. Domestic airlines fly from Delhi's Palam Airport to Dehradun's Jolly Grant Airport. Flights operate on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The duration of the flight is forty minutes. Ananda is a 40-minute drive from Dehra Dun airport. A pick up service to Ananda is provided on request Alternatively you can arrange for a car yourself from Dehra Dun Airport.

Ananda also has its own private helipad. Personal helicopters can land right within the spa parameters. A short scenic flight from New Delhi, the helicopter experience transports you to the realm of the exclusive and is the perfect way to commence your honeymoon!

Arrival At Ananda
From the moment you arrive at Ananda, a feeling of peace and bliss (ananda) pervades your entire being. You will be greeted warmly with quiet namaskaars and the traditional aarti, after which you will be escorted to your room.

Little touches and gestures in the service and hospitality will transform your stay here into something romantic and exquisite. Your arrival at Ananda will mark the entrance into a world that is absolutely exotic, out of this world and dream like Something which even the most well travelled holiday makers have never experienced before!

The Rooms
Ananda offers 70 deluxe rooms and 5 suites, each with spectacular views over the Ganges. The rooms at Ananda are infused with natural Himalayan light, designed to imbibe the feel of the mountains. Built on a mountain ridge, the guest rooms offer breathtaking view of the valley and the city of Rishikesh or the Palace. The rooms have been designed in a minimalist and holistic fashion.

All rooms have television with entertainment and news channels, International direct dial telephones, in-room safe, walk in closets, tea/coffee making facilities & private bar. One of the main features of the rooms is the independent patio balcony with breath taking view of the Himalayas.

The bathrooms are made entirely of marble with sunken bathtubs facing bay windows offering exquisite views. You can gaze out over the twinkling lights of Rishikesh from your bathtub at night, thanks to a wall of glass! Light up the candles provided in your bathroom, run some bathwater with fragrant salts and soak in the ambience, fragrance and fantastic views of stars twinkling in the valleys below. Your average mundane bath is suddenly transformed into a highly sensuous experience!

Honeymoon couples may be interested in the spacious and delightful Ananda Suite, which is located on the ground floor of the guest residence. These rooms have a separate living room with a dining area and the Ananda Suite has its own private garden.

Your Time At Ananda
Ananda is in it's essence an ayurvedic health spa focussed on relaxation of the body and mind and enhancing your well being in pampered bliss. Personalised therapy and activity programmes are available and conducted with the resident physicians to meet your individual needs

Ananda offers a huge spa with 16 treatment rooms including the Kama suite where couples can enjoy massages together and then relax in a Jacuzzi built for two. The ayurvedic treatments are also well worth a try, particularly Abhyanga where two therapists massage your body simultaneously and Sirodhara where a continuous stream of warm oil is released onto your forehead.

There is also a temperature-controlled swimming pool, yoga classes, gym, sauna, steam rooms and the Aveda beauty institute. In short, Ananda defines the meaning of relaxation, rejuvenation, pampering and bliss!

Meals At Ananda
Meals at the Ananda are a treat. The gastronomic experience at the main restaurant offers a delectable Spa Cuisine menu, in addition to an unbeatable fare of India, European, Oriental and World cuisine. The menu highlights the philosophy of better living, by providing food enriched with the vivid flavour of organic vegetables and herbs.

The Restaurant is built in a grove of trees, overlooking the valley of Rishikesh, thereby enhancing your sensual journey Keeping in mind the long duration of stay of the guests, a la carte menus are changed every day for lunch and dinner to provide more variety. Another eating destination at Ananda is the Pavilion, a casual and elegant setting for drinks and light snacks. Enjoy a drink or savour a complete meal With a bar that features the finest wines and liquors, the Pavilion is the perfect place to chill out.

Nearby Excursions & Activities
The resort's location makes it a fantastic place from where to explore the surrounding mountain areas. Excursions from here include a four-hour trek to the Kunjapuri temple on the mountain top that offers fabulous views of the snow covered Himalayan peaks. You can also arrange to go white water rafting on the Ganges, pay a visit to the nearby tiger reserve or take a trip to Rishikesh and watch the spellbinding Ganges Aarti ceremony during sunset. An experience that you will treasure forever (regardless of your faith or religion). Other activities include Himalayan foothill hiking and trekking visits to national parks and game sanctuaries.

Climate: Best Time To Visit
Ananda and the surrounding area has a moderate climate throughout the year. The ambient temperatures are pleasant throughout the year except during a brief period in winter(Dec 15 - Jan 15)when it drops to 6 degree Centigrade(43 degree Fahrenheit) at night. Located at an altitude of 3,000 feet (1000 meters), the invigorating ozone rich air is perfumed by wild flower blossoms.